The Medicine Wheel

The Native American Medicine Wheel is an ancient tradition which provides a structure for the process of releasing that which no longer serves us in order to make room for that which we want to manifest in our lives. The Medicine Wheel is opened by calling in the winds of the four cardinal directions. Each wind is associated with a spirit animal that represents a part of the releasing and manifesting process. The Medicine Wheel provides a frame work for many Pura Vidya Retreats. Below is a description of an Andean Medicine Wheel that we use to guide all of our trainings and workshops.

The Wind of the West

The Jaguar – At the Mental and Emotional Perception of the Jaguar, we are influenced by our thoughts; we recognize that the mind interprets our reality. The Jaguar shows us how to transcend old belief systems, ideas and emotions in order to break free from negative feelings and transform darkness into light.

The Wind of the North

The Hummingbird – At the Soul Perception of the Hummingbird, we perceive all of our experiences as a part of an epic and magnificent journey. The Hummingbird guides us on a soul journey tasting the sweet nectar of life, embracing love, harmony, beauty and joy in every aspect of our flight.

The Wind of the South

The Serpent – At the Physical Perception of the Serpent, we tap into our instincts, we use our senses to perceive ourselves and the world. The Serpent leads us to shed our personal shadows, our past, and the stories that prevent us from moving forward.

The Wind of the East

The Eagle – At the Spiritual Perception of the Eagle, we are guided to travel beyond the limited perceptions of ourselves, our bodies and our minds, and begin to see things from a higher perspective. The Eagle takes us above the mountains and clouds where we can fly wing to wing with Spirit and experience the sacred vision of Oneness.